Alongwith with the rest of the country,  Mizoram also celebrated the 63^rd Republic Day. The Ceremonial function in Aizawl to mark the 63^rd Republic Day was held today at 9: 00 AM at the Ramhlun Sports Complex. The function started with the Governor Shri Vakkom Purushothaman unfurling the National Flag which was followed by the Ceremonial Parade. Chief Minister Lal Thanhawla, his wife Pi Lalriliani, the Speaker Pu R Romawia, a number of Ministers from the Council of Minister, Parliamentary Secretaries and MLAs besides senior state government officials also attended the function.

Addressing the Republic Day Ceremonial Function the Governor recalled with gratitude the sacrifices of the freedom fighters and the dedication of the Founding Fathers of the Constitution, for giving us a country where dignity and individual freedom are guaranteed. He called upon the people to vow anew the sacred duty to nurture, safeguard and strengthen the democratic systems and values enshrined in the Constitution and rededicate ourselves to maintain harmony, peace and brotherhood.

Saying that peace and tranquility are vital for growth and development the Governor pointed that Mizoram is extremely fortunate to have efficient law enforcing agencies and supportive non-government organizations, churches, religious institutions, media and the general public which has helped maintain its status as one of the most peaceful states in the country. He stressed upon the need to be vigilant against sectarianism of all kinds and elements that can hurt the well maintained social fabric and harmonious co-existence.

In his speech, the Governor highlighted the vision and some of the achievements of the State Government for the benefit of the people of Mizoram.

The Governor said that the flagship project – New Land Use Policy (NLUP) designed to transform the economy of the state which focused on inclusive growth and poverty alleviation has been gathering momentum. He added that the experience gained in the first phase of implementation has enabled the Government to strengthen the monitoring system and training of stakeholders and arrangement of supply of inputs. He appealed  all the beneficiaries to sincerely engage themselves in the line of trades that they have      selected and said that only commitment and perseverance can result in achievement of its goals.

The Governor pointed that Mizoram’s prosperity is not possible without the development of farmers and workers engaged in agricultural activities. He said the Government has undertaken a number of measures for the welfare of the farmers and agriculture machineries and equipments have been distributed to farmers at highly subsidized rates.

He stated that the reduction in jhum cultivation area was mainly due to the implementation of Watershed Development Programme for Shifting Cultivation Areas (WDPSCA), Oil Palm Development Programme and Sugarcane Cultivation Programme.

The Governor said that growth and development of Industries is essential for the economic development of the State and added that Industrial Development areas have been established in different locations including Zuangtui Industrial Estate,ExportPromotionIndustrial Parkat Lengte. With the State contributing 14% of the nationwide bamboo distribution, bamboo processing has been identified as an important industrial sector of the State he added.

Saying that Power & Electricity are the pre-requisites for industrial progress and improvement of living standard the Governor highlighted the status various Power Projects in this regard. He stated that road communication is essential for development. and said the Kaladan Multi Modal Transit Transport Project to link sea route inMyanmarwith Mizoram underIndia’s Look East Policy is scheduled for completion in 2014.

He talked about the Government’s focus on human resource development and added that Polytechnic Institutes are to be set up at Champhai, Kolasib, Lawngtlai, Mamit, Saiha and Serchhip.

For provision of housing and other basic amenities to families below poverty line and economically weaker sections of the society, the Governor said that 4 (four) housing projects for Economically Weaker Section of the people are being implemented at Chite, Lawipu, Rangvamual and Durtlang under Basic Services to Urban Poor (BSUP) scheme. These 4 (four) projects together will provide housing to 1,096 urban poor families. He pointed that the 13^th Finance Commission grants for Urban Local Bodies have already been transferred to the Aizawl Municipal Council to enable them to take up core services like solid waste management, water supply, cemetery and burial grounds, drainage, building regulations and other public amenities within Aizawl Municipal Council Area.

The Governor highlighted the various water supply schemes that are being undertaken at different habitations throughout Mizoram for provision of adequate safe drinking water to all villages and urban areas.

The Governor stated that the 3 (three) Autonomous District Councils in Mizoram had also made remarkable achievements in their resource mobilization. He further added that the Government remains sensitive to the special needs of these areas.

In his conclusion the Governor expressed gratitude to all the NGOs, the Churches, youth and the general public for contributing towards the development and prevailing peace and harmony in the State. He also expressed confidence that with the traditional Mizo values and traits of honesty, respect for elders and the sacred ethics of ‘Tlawmngaihna’, the people can look forward to integrating themselves with the main stream of national life while keeping their identity intact and safeguarding the economic, social and cultural interest.

The Republic Day Ceremonial Parade saw the participation of 24 Contigents  -  4 armed contingents, 6 unarmed contingents 12 school contingents besides 4 Band Parties. The Governor handed prizes to the winners of the different contingents. He also distributed prizes to the winners of Volleyball(Men & Women), Basketball(1^st & 2^nd Division) and Hockey tournaments which were held to mark the Republic Day.